The untouched outer Great Barrier Reef

Coral Expeditions knows the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef better than most, having pioneered overnight cruises on the outer reef more than 30 years ago. Sailing from our home port of Cairns, Queensland, our bespoke expedition vessel Coral Expeditions II takes a maximum of 42 guests in relaxed comfort on year-round 3, 4 or 7 night expeditions.

The tailor-made itineraries venture to the pristine outer reef and exclusive mooring destinations. Our expedition voyages are truly immersive, going beyond the reach of day-trips to the underwater wonderland that you’ve long imagined. Our Marine Biologist help you understand what you see, with “touch and learn” displays onboard and interpretation in the water.

We live and breathe the reef, with our headquarters just minutes from the start of this natural wonder. That’s why its important to us that our guests and operations ensure the long term preservation and conservation of the Reef. Coral Expeditions is a leader in Reef conservation, a member of Ecotourism Australia, and an accredited ecotourism operator. We guarantee that by choosing Coral Expeditions for your Great Barrier Reef experience, you are choosing to travel with a company that prioritises the long term conservation of the Reef and it’s ecosystem.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPEDITION

The 7-night Immersive Reef itinerary is the ideal way to experience the finest of the Northern and Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Created by combining the 3-night and 4 night itineraries, highlights of this expedition include the Ribbon Reefs, Lizard Island, Hinchinbrook Island and Sudbury Cay. Visiting nine private mooring sites, this is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience where you can see it all – reef, rainforests and islands.

This itinerary is the itinerary of our 7 night cruise detailed above. On the Immersive Reef Expedition, you’ll experience the opportunity to snorkel or dive at nine private mooring sites, including the Ribbon Reef’s #3 and #9 and Escape Reef. Swim with turtles at Fitzroy Island and enjoy sunset drinks on private Sudbury Cay. The 7-night Immersive Reef itinerary is the ideal way to experience the finest of the Northern and Southern Great Barrier Reef.

SOUTHERN REEF (CAIRNS - HINCHINBROOK ISLAND - CAIRNS), 3 NIGHTS

The 3 night Southern Reef Expedition itinerary takes guests to some of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s most biologically significant areas.

From the mangrove channel at Hinchinbrook Island to the ancient rainforest of Dunk Island, and the pristine remoteness of Sudbury Cay, guests onboard will experience a myriad habitats, both on land and at sea. Spend time exploring the underwater world’s of Coates and Nathan Reefs, and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island – you may even be able to swim with a Sea Turtle just off the beach!

Enjoy presentations by our Marine Biologist detailing area’s the eco system and marine biodiversity when cruising through the Hinchinbrook Channel, where we are the only commercial vessel that can fit through this area.
For a Great Barrier Reef experience that offers a sample of rainforest, mangrove and reef, the 3 night itinerary is an excellent choice.

NORTHERN REEF (CAIRNS - LIZARD ISLAND - CAIRNS), 4 NIGHTS

Our 4-night Northern Reef itinerary takes guests to some of the most pristine available locations on the Reef. Exclusive mooring sites at nine locations, including Ribbon Reefs #3 and #9 offer unmatched diving and snorkelling, and the opportunity to see wildlife such as Christmas Tree Worms & Giant Clam Gardens.

A full day on Lizard Island rounds out the remote reef experience, before heading to historic Cooktown, for a taste of the history of the area.

For a Great Barrier Reef experience that focuses on the remote and untouched reef, ideal for divers, snorkellers or marine enthusiasts, the 4 night itinerary is an ideal choice.

The Ribbon Reefs

Around 50 to 100 km’s off the northern Queensland shore, and forming the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 100 miles to the north of Cairns, the “Ribbons” are a string of 10 magical coral reefs. They are no wider than 450m, and generally quite shallow, coming up to as high as 5 metres below the surface from a sandy bottom. A veritable marine wonderland, these long thing strips of reef hold beautiful coral gardens and isolated bommies topped with corals and anemones, surrounded by a rainbow of reef fish.

Snorkellers and divers on the Ribbon Reefs might encounter huge giant clams, moray eels, reef sharks and giant Napoleon Wrasse. You might also meet Pelagic fish and see gorgonian fans. If you prefer not to get your feet wet, our glass bottom boat still allows you to get up close and personal to these beautiful species.